Media Release

October 30 2009

New Chair in Mental Health appointed

Professor Nicholas Procter is the new Chair in Mental Health UniSA and SA Health have announced the appointment of a Chair in Mental Health Nursing to lead teaching, research and community engagement in mental health nursing in South Australia.

Professor Nicholas Procter, a senior academic from UniSA’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, said he was honoured to take up the exciting new position.

“Mental illness affects one in five Australians. This is a great opportunity for UniSA and SA Health to work in partnership to contribute to the health and wellbeing of South Australians,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to working with as many clinicians as possible to support their research and practice development, while also generating momentum directed specifically towards practice and research that leads to consumer and carer benefit.

“I also hope to bring renewed focus to the importance of mental health nursing as a career option for nurses in South Australia. Mental health nursing is an exciting and dynamic area to work in as it offers a broad range of care practices across the lifespan and is also an area where nurses can make a real difference.”

Professor Procter has long standing interests in practitioner mentoring, social inclusion research, policy development and community engagement between mental health services and the higher education sector. He is a former Hawke Fellow and a previous winner of the Excellence Award for Nursing Education from the State Government.

Dr Tony Sherbon, Chief Executive of SA Health, said Professor Procter will play an important role in enhancing the delivery of mental health nursing by leading research, attracting research funding and increasing the numbers of postgraduate students studying mental health nursing.

“SA Health is pleased to support this new position as part of our ongoing reform to mental health services in SA,” he said.

UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor: Health Sciences Professor Allan Evans said UniSA was delighted to work in partnership with SA Health to enhance the delivery of mental health nursing in SA through Professor Procter’s appointment as Chair in Mental Health.

“Mental health issues affect millions of Australians every day. Preparing a workforce to help care for people with mental illness is a significant challenge,” Prof Evans said.

“Through this position, UniSA’s teaching and research in mental health will connect strongly with the issues of our local industry partners and be communicated at local, national and international settings.

“The appointment brings great value to advancing South Australia’s mental health reform agenda through research and teaching that aims to improve the quality of life of people with mental illness, as well as support the mental health nursing workforce.

“The appointment is also closely linked to UniSA’s strong community engagement and participation agenda.”